Adam Levine is facing questions from The Voice fans after his First In pick, Amanda Mikkel, faced Julia Clark in a Battle Round performance of Elvis Presley’s classic song (I Can’t Help) Falling in Love With You.

While both singers delivered a beautiful duet, the song choice left some viewers wondering whether either contestant had the right opportunity to shine. The coaches also disagreed over who deserved to advance, and the decision left one singer emotional backstage.

On the October 19 episode, Levine paired Mikkel, a four-chair turn who earned his First In pick during the Blind Auditions, with Clark, who received two chair turns. The two contestants took on one of Elvis Presley’s most beloved songs, but their different vocal styles made the Battle a difficult one to judge.

Queen Latifah and Riley Green noted that Mikkel had taken on challenging songs during both her Blind Audition and the Battle. Green admitted, however, that he would probably pick Clark because “something drew me in” to her voice.

Kelly Clarkson also praised both contestants, calling them “rad vocalists.” She specifically highlighted Clark’s distinctive sound, telling her, “Julia, you do have this presence with your voice.” However, Clarkson believed Mikkel might “fare a little better in the competition setting.”

After the performance, Levine admitted that the singers had performed better individually than as a pair and that he noticed their nerves. Ultimately, he chose Mikkel because she had impressed him more throughout the competition. He also warned her that she still had work to do during Cut Week.

Despite winning the Battle, Mikkel became emotional backstage. Crying as she reflected on the performance, she acknowledged that nerves remained an issue she needed to address and expressed her determination to prove herself in the next round.

“I’m extremely proud. I know that, you know, like he said, there was nerves that I have to work on. I hope to show him everything I’m capable of during Cut Week. I want to make Adam proud,” Mikkel said through tears.

Her reaction showed how much Levine’s confidence meant to her. As his First In pick, she wanted to prove that she could live up to his expectations, even as fans continued to debate whether he had made the right decision.

Many viewers believed Clark deserved the win, with some arguing that her unique voice made her stand out more than Mikkel. One fan wrote, “Julia’s voice is so unique and smooth. Her voice is recognizable, which can be very marketable. This is a huge miss in my opinion.”

Another viewer criticized Levine’s choice, saying, “Amanda has a great voice but it’s very common. Julia has an original sound and a voice that can make you cry. Adam got this one wrong.”

Others questioned the song selection itself. “I think the song choice was not good. I didn’t like how they presented this song and really it only sounds good when Elvis sings it,” one fan commented.

Still, Mikkel had plenty of supporters. “Amanda clearly was better!” one viewer wrote, showing that fans remained divided over the result.

Clark ultimately left the competition without being stolen by another coach, adding to the disappointment of viewers who wanted her to continue. While Levine stood by his decision to advance Mikkel, the singer now has Cut Week to work on her nerves and show him what she can do.

The Voice Season 30 airs Mondays on NBC, with episodes available to stream on Peacock the following day.